Foot pouch blanket with head and arm openings that converts to pillow

ABSTRACT

An improved comfort system comprising of a blanket with a neck and arm openings, including an external pocket centrally located along one peripheral edge thereof. When in use as a blanket, the user may put their head through the neck opening, place their feet in the external pocket, and use their hands by placing them through the arm openings. The blanket may be easily converted into a pillow configuration by a folding method that transforms the blanket into a compact configuration and includes pulling the folded blanket through the pocket, in an inside out manner, such that the folded blanket is contained within the external pocket and the pocket opening. The comfort system thus provides a compact and transportable pillow and blanket combination particularly suited for use by travelers, airline passengers, and persons seeking comfort in their personal dwelling.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to comfort systems, and more particularly to a comfort system adapted for conversion from a pillow configuration to a blanket configuration.

2. Description of the Background Art

Articles used to provide humans comfortable resting environments are well known in the art. The use of blankets, comforters, quilts, duvets, sleeping bags and the like are well known. Furthermore, the background art reveals a number of comfort devices that may be converted into pillows by use of various pockets, strings, zippers and other fastening means. U.S. Pat. No. 5,457,829, issued to Elliot discloses a comforter having a pocket which is permanently secured to one side thereof in a position located substantially centrally along the side edge. The pocket is sized so as to be turned inside out and have the comforter folded, rolled and tucked therein to form a pillow structure. U.S. Pat. No. 5,850,643, issued to Brumfield, discloses a blanket that folds into a pillow configuration with the aid of a pocket. U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,667, issued to Haverly et al., discloses a blanket having a pocket permanently attached to the top surface along one edge thereof such that the blanket can be foldably stored within the pocket.

The convertible blankets of the background art, however, are burdened with a number of inherent shortcomings and disadvantages. For example, many of the references of the background art disclose blanket-type articles that have multiple fabric layers, foot pockets, or neck openings. There is no single layer convertible blanket that includes foot pockets and neck openings. Most importantly, none provide for the use of the users hands while being covered. Accordingly, there is an immediate need for a comfort system that allows for use of cell phones, tablets, reading materials.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an improved comfort system comprising a seemingly ordinary pillow that easily unfolds into a quilt, comforter, or blanket (hereinafter “blanket”). A blanket according to the present invention comprises a blanket with a neck and arm openings, including an external pocket centrally located along one peripheral edge thereof. The blanket may be easily converted into a pillow configuration by a folding method that transforms the blanket into a compact configuration and includes pulling the folded blanket through the pocket, in an inside out manner, such that the folded blanket is contained within the external pocket and the pocket opening. The comfort system thus provides a compact and transportable pillow and blanket combination particularly suited for use by travelers, airline passengers, and persons seeking comfort in their personal dwelling.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved convertible blanket and pillow combination.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a blanket that allows for use of the users hands through the arm openings while being covered.

Still another object of the present invention is to allow for securing of the blanket over the head of the user through the neck opening.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a blanket with an external foot pocket.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a decorative pillow capable of conversion to a blanket structure.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide in combination a blanket that folds into a compact carry-on configuration adapted to a pillow.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a seemingly conventional blanket that converts to a pillow configuration wherein there are no zippers or button closures.

These and other objects will become are achieved with the apparatus and folding method disclosed in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a convertible blanket with neck and arm openings and foot pocket according to the present invention in a blanket configuration;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view thereof the user with their head through the neck opening, arm through the arm opening, and feet in the pocket;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a convertible blanket flipped over with the pocket side down;

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a convertible blanket with the first length-wise side folded in, up to the pocket side edge with the second side flat;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a convertible blanket in the conversion process after folding of the second length-wise side to fit the other pocket side edge;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view thereof as execution of the first and second top down folds occur in the conversion process;

FIG. 7 is top perspective view thereof illustrating a user reaching into the pocket to initiate the inside out folding portion of the conversion process;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view thereof illustrating the pocket receiving the folded article;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view showing the article converted to a pillow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 - 9 depict a preferred embodiment of the present invention, namely an improved comfort system, generally referenced as 10, comprising a blanket that is convertible to a decorative pillow configuration. Comfort system 10 includes a main body blanket 12 with four peripheral side edges, referenced as 31, 32, 33, and 34 respectively. Comfort system 10 includes one long and narrow neck opening 20 for users to secure the blanket over their head. Comfort system 10 includes two arm openings 21 to permit use of the users hands while remaining covered. Comfort system 10 includes pocket 22, centered on edge 32 of 12, such that, when configured as a blanket, the external pocket may function as a foot warmer. The comfort system 10 external pocket 22, further cooperates with the blanket structure for simple conversion into a pillow configuration.

With reference to the cross-sectional view seen in FIG. 2 , the main body blanket structure of comfort system 10 is preferably formed by a blanket and an external pocket, referenced as 27 and 28 respectively. Fabric layers 27 and 28 are preferably stitched so as to be connected along three common peripheral edges as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 . As best seen in FIG. 1 , pocket 22 is connected to fabric layer 12 and has peripheral edge stitching running substantially continuously along sides 23, 24, and 25 thereby forming an opening along side 26. It should be noted that 12 and/or 22 may include more than one layer of fabric. The fabric layers may comprise silk, fleece, satin, cotton, synthetic material, or any other suitable fabric or textile. In addition, fill, such as down, or other suitable fill material may be disposed between fabric layers to provide insulation and warmth. 12 and/or 22 may or may not include a decorative trim edge. In a preferred embodiment, both layers are formed by a plush material to provide the user with added comfort, and fullness when in pillow form.

FIGS. 1-9 illustrate the conversion of the comfort system from a blanket configuration to a pillow configuration. FIG. 1 depicts the article in a blanket configuration with pocket 22 disposed upward. FIG. 3 illustrates a first step in the conversion process, wherein the blanket is inverted from the position shown in FIG. 1 such that pocket 22 is disposed on the underside of the blanket. As best illustrated in FIG. 4 the conversion process commences by making a first longitudinal fold of 12 to edge 25 of 22. FIG. 5 illustrates a second step in the conversion process wherein a second longitudinal fold is made of 12 to edge 23 of 22. Next, FIG. 6 illustrates the four latitudinal folding steps, such that comfort system 10 lands in the compact configuration depicted in FIG. 7 . FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a user’s hand reaching into pocket 22 and grasping the distal end portion of the article from the inside/bottom of the pocket, whereafter the user pulls the folded distal end portion of the comfort system toward the pocket opening at side edge 26 such that the pocket is turned inside out thereby receiving the folded blanket therein. FIG. 9 illustrates the article converted into a finished pillow wherein the blanket portion of comfort system 10 is contained within pocket 22. As should be apparent, the folding process may be altered without departing from the scope of the present invention. More particularly, the folding process may be varied from that shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , such that the configuration shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 is folded in half, and folded in half a second time resulting in a substantially similar configuration as that shown in FIG. 7 .

As best seen in FIG. 1 , the blanket can be formed with one or more layers of fabric. For example, in the embodiment intended for outdoor use, one layer of the blanket or pocket fabric may be include layers of thicker material to protect the blanket user from cold weather.

As best seen in FIG. 9 , the outside surfaces of the finished pillow are formed by the material that lines the interior of pocket 22 when configured as a blanket. In an embodiment wherein the comfort system includes a plurality of fabric layers the present invention contemplates forming each of the pocket layer from different materials, designs, colors etc. For example, a different fabric print may be used on the inside of the external pocket to allow for a two toned pillow design.

Additional variations and advantages will be obvious to those skilled in the art. This includes those based on combinations of the above-referenced mentioned variations. The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious structural and/or functional modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. 

What I claim is:
 1. A comfort system comprising: a one or more fabric layer blanket with a neck opening and two arm openings, said blanket has an external pocket attached to one edge connected to said blanket on three common peripheral edges, said pocket defining an opening, said pocket opening can be used as a foot pocket, said blanket being selectively configurable from an unfolded configuration suitable for use as a blanket, to a compact folded configuration wherein said blanket is substantially contained within said pocket for use as a pillow or for transport in pillow form.
 2. A comfort system comprising: a first generally rectangular fabric layer/s having four peripheral side edges to form a blanket; said blanket has one long narrow opening and two smaller narrow openings; a pocket connected to said first layer, said pocket including three sides connected to said first layer and an opening oriented toward a central edge portion of said first layer.
 3. A comfort system according to claim 1, wherein the external pocket converts to a pillow sized for decorative use or transport. 